Anyone knowing me prior to the Fall of 2007 would not be surprised to see me in any number of multiple hues and lengths of hair pieces, weaves or shining wigs. I loved the look but there was only one problem, it was just that...a look. All the hairpieces, perms and extensions in my cache were covering up the most important element about myself. That underneath it all, I didn't give my natural hair a chance, and after I thought about it for a while, I hadn't for a decade or so.
That summer, my sister was taking a big step in her artificial and damaging hair care woes herself leaving two choices-shave it all off or try something natural. After some extensive research, she came up with something I had never heard of; Sisterlocks (
http://www.Sisterlocks.com) and upon install, I knew she wouldn't be able to do this look alone, so I joined her.
Sisterlocks was like a science project or my hair under cocoon status but for the first time in my life, I couldn't dictate the style. My hair finally was able to breathe and obtain an
identity that would incorporate with its owner. What I love telling everyone who is contemplating locks is to not think of Sisterlocks as a hairstyle...they are a frame of thought, an extension of self, and as life-changing as a commitment can be.
For the next couple of months, I would captivatingly endure this commitment for a few reasons. 1) An in depth consultation explaining what Sisterlocks were, who designed the process and an educational and controversial new outlook on the history of black hair. 2) The initial investment to get started balanced out with the thousands of dollars I had spent over years in damaging processes in exchange for bi-monthly appointments for retightenings. 3) A future opportunity offered by Sisterlocks to start my own business passing on the education of keeping hair natural with provisions to maintain tress strength and styling options for Black women.
My particular hair type, Afro-Indian in origin and full of variations from crown, to sides, the nape would prove quite a challenge in its attempts to revert and accept the locking process but I learned to love and baby my hair during this journey. Definitely more attention than I had ever bothered to pay before or felt comfortable to embrace my naturalness by society's standards. And where I used to receive admiration for my faux styles of the past, I was now getting puzzled looks as to why would I want to look unattractive and nappy. That's when my eyes were opened to the invisible line and misconceptions in the hair world's hair dilemma.
I was used to the light-skinned, dark-skinned debate, I was even used to the "good hair" malady but now there was another division between black women when in fact there should have been a celebration that yet there was another style of choice. And where other nationalities had been able to emulate the Afro, cornrows and even 'dread' locks, Sisterlocks is exclusive to the curl patterns distinctive of coiled Afro indigenous hair. Something else changed too...the response by men. Men that may have found disapproval in 'fake' hair styles had a different outlook on women that chose natural hair, not limited to Sisterlocks.
Vacationing in a Hawaii would be the true testament to the freedom of natural hair. I had traveled previously to Mexico and the islands and never felt comfortable taking photographs because it was like a before and after take. Off the plane, laying on the beach, all showed me with flowing weave but if I went out or wanted to jump in the pool without having to reconstruct a straightened style with frustration not to cause suspicion or take even 15 minutes out of my trip, were moments I hated to waste. I wanted to have fun and be spontaneous like other travelers, it just didn't seem fair to afford the trip and still have the hassles of being at home endlessly turning kinky hair to straight. But my natural hair promoting Sisterlocks changed that. I would shower in the morning, pack my backpack for the day, walk along the beach, lay on the beach, drench myself in the ocean waters, get up, go find a place to eat and not have to return to the hotel room not one single time. I thought I was in Heaven. No hiding, no stress, spontaneity, and I could be ME the whole time. I would never go back to straightening or hair pieces. And when I got home, I worked out, swam, relaxed in the sauna without having to worry about my hair.
After that, I wanted to help others enjoy their experience as I was introduced only months before as a Sisterlocks trainee. Performing the service of Sisterlocks is rewarding because you get to meet enlightened and newly converted women (and men) who are joining a network of support which transpires every time a new member becomes introduced. Overall, the whole experience has been positive, educational and uplifting. Gone are greasy products, thread, nets, glue, combs and brushes, cover-ups and hair that refuses length. And although not a pre-requisite, knowing how to do my own hair is therapeutic as well. There's a feeling of self-reliance of do-good in support of my natural locks not to mention I used to be quite efficient exerting my own weaves, extensions and relaxers.
I have had my share of battles however, yet no different than thinning hair or chemical burns. Now I can make braids for waves or use "soft spikes" for curls. The wind blowing through my hair, however is a feeling that many take advantage of and the list of discovery goes on with every new month...something more that I can write about, each new length, with the hopes that we all accept the hair choices we make. My only wish is that with most things, become educated and do what is natural and healthy for your temple. Nothing should make a person chose harming their body in the name of societal acceptance.
Peace and blessings to all! Chelle
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